Anglican Communion News Service

[The Living Church] The Diocese of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has appointed Dr Ned Wallace as medical missioner to work in Swaziland. The appointment comes after discussions with Bishop of Bethlehem, the Rt Revd Paul Marshall, and Bishop of Swaziland, the Rt Revd Lawrence Zulu.

"I can think of no more tangible witness to the gospel of Christ than the ministry you carry out in Africa," said Bishop Marshall in his letter of designation. "You provide me with a moment of great joy in permitting me to name you a medical missioner."

Ned Wallace, who at 73 is a semi-retired doctor, has spent four months every year for the last decade co-ordinating medical education and service programs in a mission hospital in Swaziland. The main focus of his work will be AIDS- related activities.

"Last year I made a decision to include in all the activities in which I have been involved both in Africa and while in the US a special emphasis on the AIDS epidemic and its consequences," said Dr Wallace. "I think this will be the most effective use of my time, energy and experience."

Swaziland is a small country between South Africa and Mozambique. About a quarter of the population of nearly 1 million are believed to be HIV positive. As a result of deaths from AIDS there are about 112,000 children under 15 who are orphaned, and many more are living in families seriously affected by HIV and AIDS.

Dr Wallace has a vision based on the belief that Christianity provides the impetus for service. He would like to see similar work from others. He believes that "increasing numbers of able, active Episcopalians and other Christians who have retired from successful vocation now have the opportunity to use their skills and experience elsewhere."